stem glass markers

[udandi]

I wanted create glass markers, but I wasn't too keen on the pewter charms so I made some from shrinky dink paper for inkjet printers.

http://www.brofft.com/images/wine_markers2.jpg

[creatingme]

what a great hostess gift!  Where did you buy the shrinky dink printer paper??

[sparky]

I got my shrinky dink paper at

http://www.shrinkydinks.com/

they have a bunch of cheesy kits, but if you dig enough, you can get to the inkjet shrinky dink paper.  I'm planning on using it the next time I need a new pet tag (my cats destroy their collars and tags on a regular basis).  

I'm also contemplating making something for my brother brother with all of his school pictures (25 five years later, the goofy first grade picture with the Prince Valiant outfit is so adorable...his fashion sense is very retro so I bet he misses that sweater in a big way).  I'm a little lost on what to do.  I thought about a chess set (first grade = pawns, etc), but I'm not really sure how well that would work.

[udandi]

I happened upon my paper at Hobby Lobby.  I got 6 sheets for about $9.  I saw the paper at the above mentioned site but with shipping it would have been more than this stuff.

From an email to Avery, I learned they discontinued the paper for the US.  They did give me a couple of companies to call and see if they still have any in stock.  If you are interested, PM me since I don't have the info handy at the moment.

[Miss M]

Hey - just bought the shrink paper at my Hobby Lobby - 6 sheets for $3.99. just wondering, is there is big difference in the brands eg higher price = better quality?

[udandi]

At first I picked up a $4 pack, but it was just for use with markers, crayons or stamps and it came in white, clear or black.

I wanted shrinky dink paper to use with my inkjet printer, which is why it cost a bit more.  


The brand I bought and prices

[missy]

You can also make Shrinky Dinks by sanding down plastic (look for recycleable code #6)--or the kind of plastic used for salad take out containers.

-sand both sides evenly
-put on top of any drawing you want to trace or draw something freehand
-put on foil, and put them in the oven or toaster oven on low heat. Watch them shrink up just like shrinky dinks!

Ideally do this in an oven or toaster oven with a window so that you can pull them out as soon as they shrink, besides, that's half the fun !:)

[missy]

oh! i forgot to mention that you can just use standard colored pencils to put your design on them!

once you're done you can glue them onto a pinback, or punch holes in them before baking to make necklaces, keychains, or charms. its a really simple way to make personalized fun gifts or party favors.

[BadKittyUSA33]

wow that's soooo cute! i want one that says bad kitty on it!

[divasteph]

some i made...

[Muneca]

I love all the markers here!

here are mine. I made these for a girls martini nite I'm hosting:

[kategirl]

I so love the idea of stem markers...  if only I were young enough to drink or my parents did!

[divasteph]

those are way cute - those are the expensive charms though -- like $3 for 4 - I use the charms that cost like either 4 for 99c or the ones that come in a bag of 20 for $2
i really love your charms though they are so girl and fun!!!

btw: if i ever come over can i be the diva one???

[NynaeveAS]

Kategirl, who says you can't drink soda, juice or milk out of stemware? Whenever I have friends/family over, I pull out the stemware with charms for everyone no matter what they are drinking.  I've even used them for total non-alcoholic parties.   I found some ice tea glasses with short stems and those work great for people who have a hard time with the stems.  I like it because it makes even milk a special drink!  

[gretchen28]

hey, i LOVED making my wine charms last year... these are a little "dirty" but everyone loves them.  or so they tell me.  maybe they secretly hate them but who cares, they wiled away many an hour.

[Atouria]

I know I'm rejuvenating an old thread, but... I love all the wine charm ideas!  I especially love the idea of using stemware regardless of the drink or occasion.

Do you just buy the wire part at the craft store, or did you cut and bend your own (somehow perfectly)? 

[robinh]

You can buy the little hoops in the jewelry making aisle. They come with the loop already made. You add your beads or whatever, then use pliers to make a 90 degree angle on the free end, which 1) allows it to slip into the loop and close the circle and 2) prevents the beads from falling off.

One of the photos had an open loop-I'm guessing those were formed from heavy gauge wire?

I made a set for a friend (holiday gift) and I'm itching to make some for me, too.

[ShiningStar]

Everyone did a great job making stem glass markers.  You don't have to drink to make and use them.  I can't wait to try.

[TattooAnnie]

I tried making some for an art fair around Christmas...I made 2 sets of 6 with ring sized memory wire, which was really difficult to work with...I don't know if it was the brand or what, but it took forever...I gave the sets as Holiday gifts, so that way its a labor of love instead of two hour's work amounting to nothing. Now I'm using the typical hoop-earring type which seem to work better.

[hayz]

where do u boy shrinkie dink stuff in the uk?

[JodiJean]

wow i love those!!!